THE Post Office in Ealing could be relocated to a retailer around the corner by August this year in a bid to 'safeguard services'.

Under proposals being considered by Post Office Limited, the branch in High Street Ealing could be moved to the WH Smith on The Broadway, following a six week public consultation period.

People are being encouraged to write in with their views and comments regarding the opening hours, access and services.

In a letter being circulated to customers, Mark Lawrence, Network Development Manager, wrote: "This branch has been operated on our behalf by a temporary agent since our contract with our former agent came to an end.

"Whilst this arrangement has enabled us to maintain access to Post Office Services to our customers in the area, this does mean that the current service is unstable and for some time now we have been actively seeking a permanent solution that would enable us to retain services locally into the longer term.

"The relocation of Post Office Ealing service allows us to maintain access to Post Office services in Ealing and to significantly improve existing facilities. The new Post Office counter area will be carefully integrated into the current store, providing adequate room for Post Office and retail customers alike."

The deadline for comments is June 11 and a a decision to move the Post Office 600 yards North, will be taken within three months.
Comments should be sent to: Post Office Limited, c/o National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford, WD18 8ZW or email consultation@postoffice.co.uk.

For more information, call 08457 22 33 44, textphone 08457 22 33 55 or visit www.postoffice.co.uk

What the people say - see page 2

Sasa Stojicevic, who lives in South Ealing and works in the retail industry said a move to WH Smith would be welcomed to combat the long queues at the current site.

The 39-year-old said: "For me, the location isn't that important as long as a few extra staff are there to operate an express till for people who only want to send a parcel or who have mail.

"The Post Office is very busy so I wouldn't mind the relocation if there were longer opening hours and they are still able to provide the range of services."

Maria Candal, an HR Administrator who lives in Acton said the move is a sign of the challenging times facing many businesses.

The 47-year-old said: "It's a shame as we don't know what's happening to their jobs and I assume they won't all be transferring to the WH Smith. Unfortunately, businesses are closing down but I don't think many people will realise the change as it's not far.

"It's part and parcel of the Post Office to queue up and I think WH Smith will gain money as people will be tempted to buy magazines, newspapers or a drink. But we will have to wait and see how this will work and just go with the future."

Nasir Osman, who works in Transport and who lives in South Ealing, said the move would make the Post Office more visible in Ealing.

"The Post Office where it is now took me quite some time to find and I think it would be better on the main road as there may have been other people who also couldn't find it easily.

"It would be more visible and accessible and hopefully there will be longer opening hours. But you would be tempted to pick things up while you're waiting as the Post Office does tend to have a long queue."